Scott Sakupwanya Biography: Age, Early Life, Family, Business and Controversies
Pedzisayi Scott Sakupwanya, also known as Scott Kupa, is a prominent Zimbabwean entrepreneur, businessman, and ZANU-PF politician. He is the founder of Better Brands Jewellery and renowned as the largest single gold buyer for Zimbabwe’s Fidelity Printers and Refineries. With over 4,000 artisanal miners employed in his business, Scott’s venture has steadily grown over the years.
Early Life and Education
Scott Sakupwanya-Image Source@Facebook
Scott’s childhood was challenging, having grown up in the impoverished Mabvuku ghetto in Zimbabwe. His parents struggled financially, and he dropped out of school in Form 2.
Sakupwanya faced difficulties in academics and failed his Grade 7 exams, leading him to repeat the year. After two more years in Form 2, he made the courageous decision to leave school and explore other opportunities.
Early Career and Gold-Buying Business
After leaving school, Scott engaged in various odd jobs, including selling sweets and freezits, playing football for Black Rhinos juniors, and washing and cleaning motorbikes. It was during this time that he worked as a garden boy for the Macmillan family, where he developed a passion for buying gold.
With the inspiration from the Macmillans and the support of Dr. Philip Chiyangwa, Scott started his own gold-buying business. What began on a small scale grew steadily, and he eventually became the largest single gold buyer for Fidelity Printers and Refineries in Zimbabwe.
Moreover, he established Upfumi Kuvadiki, a youth empowerment advocacy group that assists young individuals in starting small-scale businesses.
Collaboration with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe
Scott’s significant breakthrough came when he collaborated with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe under the leadership of Dr. Gideon Gono. This collaboration was particularly vital as Zimbabwe faced illegal sanctions from the West, and Scott played a crucial role in utilizing the country’s resources for its benefit.
Media Shy and Humble Lifestyle
Despite his success, Scott remains humble and media-shy, allowing his work to speak for itself. He leads a modest lifestyle, driving unassuming vehicles and keeping a low profile. However, as a youthful businessman, he always dresses in trendy designer clothes.
Controversies
Scott Sakupwanya-Image Source@Facebook
In 2020, Scott found himself embroiled in controversy when pictures of him posing with around US$5 million in cash and several kilograms of gold went viral on social media. He vehemently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he is a legitimate gold buyer with gold mines and a network of over 400 runners across Zimbabwe. He further clarified that all his gold sales are conducted through Fidelity Printers and Refineries and never involve smuggling outside the country.
Personal Life and Political Affiliations
Sakupwanya is unapologetically linked to Zimbabwe’s ruling party, ZANU-PF, and has expressed his desire to represent the party in parliament.
Awards and Recognition
Scott Sakupwanya’s remarkable success in the gold mining industry has earned him recognition as one of Zimbabwe’s leading young businesspeople. On his 44th birthday, he celebrated in style at the five-star Meikles Hotel in Harare, where he was joined by high-profile guests, including Defence and War Veterans Affairs Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri and Youth, Sport, Arts, and Recreation Deputy Minister Tino Machakaire.
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